HL GROUP

Founding partners Hamilton South and Lynn Tesoro established HL Group's New York headquarters in 2001. An industry leader in communications, marketing and strategic planning, its roster of clients includes fashion and lifestyle consumer brands as well as corporate, media and civic concerns.

Hamilton South, Founding Partner

Mr. South most recently served as President and Chief Marketing Officer of Polo Ralph Lauren. Overseeing all brand marketing, advertising and new business development for Polo brands worldwide, he spearheaded RL's brand transition from private to publicly traded company. Previously, he was Editor at Large for Vanity Fair magazine, and before that, Director of Public Relations for North America at Giorgio Armani Spa. Mr. South, a noted authority in the luxury goods sector, has spoken at numerous conferences on the subject.

Lynn Tesoro, Founding Partner

Ms. Tesoro served as Senior Vice President of Corporate Communication and Marketing at Polo Ralph Lauren, with responsibility for media relations, special projects and Collection advertising worldwide. Prior to that, she was Global Vice President of Communications and Special Events at Calvin Klein Inc. In addition, Ms. Tesoro worked at Giorgio Armani Fashion Corporation as its Director of Public Relations and Sales Promotion. Her unique ability to facilitate cross-industry business opportunities is unparalleled.

Guillermo Zalamea, Partner

Mr. Zalamea served as Fashion Editor of Esquire for 8 years where he conceptualized and produced the magazine's monthly men's fashion coverage. Subsequently, he was Public Relations Director for Giorgio Armani SpA and Senior Director of Public Relations & Marketing for Polo Ralph Lauren. He also directed the marketing and public relations team that launched designer John Varvatos domestically, in Asia and Europe.

Karine Joret, Partner & President, Los Angeles

Ms. Joret, most recently, was Senior Vice President of Worldwide Communications & Live Events for Warner Bros. Consumer Products. Joret directed merchandising, licensing and intellectual property management for Warner Bros. Entertainment. As a Marketing Communications & Public Relations executive, she headed the brand building and re-launch of entertainment properties. Previously, she was head of Worldwide Marketing and Public Relations for the Warner Bros. Global Retail division, spearheading the roll-out of 220 Studio Stores worldwide. Currently heading HLLA, Los Angeles, she combines industry knowledge in entertainment, fashion and retail.

Anne Reingold, Vice President

Ms. Reingold has had a respected career in news and politics. As an Emmy Award-winning Producer of Special Events with CBS News, she has covered stories from the Persian Gulf War to Election Day. Her past work provides her with a unique insight into the world of government. In addition, Reingold served as Media Director for the 1992 Democratic National Convention and the Democratic National Committee. Reingold's expertise specializes in civic, non-profit, and political concerns.

Joanne Langbein, Vice President

Ms. Langbein has extensive experience in luxury product public relations and marketing. Starting her career as a newspaper reporter, she shifted to director of corporate communications for a national fashion specialty retailer. She subsequently worked with individual clients managing editorial coverage, brand identity and celebrity product alignment. She joined Calvin Klein Inc. as Director of Public Relations and was instrumental in the launch of its Home collection. Prior to joining HL Group, she was a consultant for Tiffany & Co. In addition to account responsibilities, Langbein oversees new business development at HL Group.

Michele Cerwin, Vice President

Ms. Cerwin, a respected marketing executive whose areas of expertise include customer relationship management, internet marketing and integrated retail programs focuses on extensive business initiatives within HL Group and optimizing support of the firm's clients. Prior to joining HL Group, she was Vice-President of Business Development at the Giorgio Armani Corp. responsible for identifying opportunities for brand optimization, CRM initiatives and e-commerce businesses. She previously was Principal Owner and founder of Stitch Design Group an accessory licensing and branding firm. Cerwin had a long career at Chanel, Inc. most recently in the position of Executive Director for Internet Marketing and Consumer Relations after key roles in fashion marketing, training, and retail operations.

Corporate Communications

HL Group devises campaigns that elevate corporate standing in the public arena, as well as among major investors. All strategies aim to reflect the client's desired image, employing elements of public relations, reputation building, and brand development to positively impact marketing objectives.

Strategic Marketing

HL Group identifies targeted partnerships and optimal communication platforms to succeed in fulfilling the client's specific goals. Traditional as well as non-traditional marketing offers clients specialized opportunities in large-scale and unconventional media outlets. The firm utilizes alternative marketing strategies to ensure that clients stand apart from competing traditional campaigns. HL Group has significant expertise in non-traditional planning of financial allocation and creative positioning.

Media Relations

HL Group's top media relationships maximize client stature. The firm structures detailed strategies to enhance media image across various public sectors by accessing key outlets to promote positive development. HL Group's integrated, team-based structure unifies all company divisions to secure timely cross-marketing at each project interval. Consistent results and budgetary success maintain the firm's reputation for delivering widely recognized initiatives around the globe.

Influencer Marketing

HL Group elevates brand awareness among high-profile individuals who truly influence targeted sectors. Such endorsements can add new dimensions to a brand and lend cultural cachet. Drawing from a broad spectrum of noted figures, HL Group's access furthers client presence at an exponential rate within respective circles.

Product Placement

Brand name recognition can be significantly increased by product integration in entertainment and consumer outlets. HL Group's industry intelligence and long-standing professional relationships considerably influence prospects for global and domestic presence.

Brand Licensing, Merchandising, & Promotion

HL Group manages crucial elements of brand presence via projects that launch or reestablish the client's intended imprint. HL Group offers projects that increase brand equity and procure untapped revenue streams. The firm devises strategies that assist expansion into fresh product and service sectors. All execution aims to reflect the brand's essence appropriately, from Public Relations to advertising strategies, and marketing programs.

New York

HL Group specializes in communications, marketing and strategic planning for global companies, primarily luxury lifestyle, fashion, and consumer brands. HL Group's senior management collectively represents significant success in prior key positions while implementing a wide range of marketing and communication initiatives. The firm utilizes its broad industry perspective to create individualized marketing strategies for each client, helping to maximize impact in corporate programs, global initiatives, brand positioning, marketing and media plans, public relations and strategic communications. Long-standing relationships, top-level collaboration and thorough execution combine to advance all client objectives to full market potential.

Los Angeles

The Los Angeles market is now a one-of-a-kind export hub of consumer products, fashion, entertainment and media. Accordingly, HL LA opened in Beverly Hills in February, 2007. Headed by President Karine Joret, this business entity operates with a focus on luxury, fashion, retail, hospitality, entertainment and lifestyle sectors. HL LA premium brand building and positioning are not limited to the USA; it also functions as a gateway for clients and brand needs in the Asia-Pacific regions.